Members of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group gathered in Viterbo and Assisi this week for a programme of discussions and cultural visits focused on Europe’s civilisational foundations and their relevance for the continent’s future.

The gathering brought together more than 20 Members of the European Parliament from across Europe to reflect on the relationship between European identity, cultural and spiritual heritage, economic competitiveness and territorial cohesion.

Against the backdrop of demographic challenges, geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures, the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of Europe’s historical and cultural roots as a basis for long-term prosperity and social cohesion.

Antonella Sberna, Vice-President of the European Parliament who organised the ECR Group’s initiative, said:

“The conviction that guides us is very simple: European identity is not an abstract concept, but the result of history, traditions, communities and values. Talking about roots means better understanding what holds us together as Europeans and enables us to face the challenges of the present.”

A central moment of the programme was the conference entitled “Between stone and spirit: values, roots and traditions in the revival of Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion”, held in Viterbo. The event brought together political leaders, institutional representatives and academics to discuss how Europe can draw on its historical and cultural roots while addressing contemporary challenges.

Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chair of the ECR Group, said:

“It was a serious mistake on the part of the EU not to include Christian roots in the constitution.

We Conservatives want to orient political choices towards a framework of values that is fundamental to Europe, whose various peoples share Christian roots. We must not repeat the mistakes made by the EU in recent years. Brussels has betrayed the relationship between human beings and nature, betrayed by those who saw environmentalism as a substitute for socialism.”

ECR MEP Marco Squarta said: “We chose to meet here, between Viterbo and Assisi, because we believe that reflection on the future of Europe must start from the places that have marked its history. Not to celebrate the past, but to understand which elements of that history can still guide our political choices. The title of our conference refers to values, roots and traditions as a lever for competitiveness and cohesion. It is a very concrete theme. European competitiveness today is measured by the ability to defend its production chains, support businesses and enhance the specific characteristics of each territory.”

The conference was moderated by European Parliament Vice-President and ECR MEP Roberts Zīle who concluded:

“Europe’s strength lies not only in its institutions but in the civilisation that shaped them. Reflecting on our cultural and spiritual heritage helps us better understand how to address today’s challenges while preserving the principles that unite our nations. Conferences like this allow us to connect Europe’s historical foundations with the policies needed for its future competitiveness and cohesion.”

As part of the programme, Members also travelled to Assisi to visit the Papal Basilica and Sacred Convent of Saint Francis, offering a moment of reflection inspired by the legacy of Saint Francis and Europe’s shared spiritual heritage.

Reflecting on the visit, Patryk Jaki, Co-Chair of the ECR Group, said:

“In a world full of noise, performance and constant consumption, Francis of Assisi chose something different: purpose, simplicity and virtue. His example reminds us that true strength comes not from excess, but from clear values and responsibility towards others.”

The meeting formed part of the ECR Group’s broader commitment to promoting a political vision that recognises Europe’s cultural heritage and shared values as a key foundation for its future development and prosperity.